Types of Government Wanted Posters: Monarchy, Democracy, Theocracy, Dictatorship

This lesson is a fun way to teach your students about different political systems around the world throughout history and in modern times.

Students can work independently or in small groups to research four different kinds of political leadership: dictatorship, monarchy, theocracy, and democracy.

They need to complete independent research to find information about the following topics:

Rise to power: How does this type of leader get chosen (are there fair elections, do they take power by force, or are they chosen at birth, etc.)?

Actions: What does this type of leader do when in power (do they make laws, use censorship, create propaganda, make trade deals with other countries, provide spiritual guidance, listen to their constituents, etc.)?

Known associates: Who does this type of leader work with (do they collaborate with members of parliament, advisors, nobles, priests, their relatives, etc.) or do they work alone?

Ancient examples: What ancient civilizations had this type of leader? What was the leader’s name and what did they do?

Current examples: What current countries have this type of leader? What is the leader’s name and what do they do?

Pros: What is good about having this kind of leader?

Cons: What is bad about having this kind of leader?

They will present their information on a Wanted Poster to add a bit of humour and fun to the lesson.

These posters are designed to be printed on 11x17 paper and can be hung around your classroom! Groups can present to the rest of the class, so every student learns about each kind of political system.

Check out my other lesson about politics:

Political Spectrum: Handout, Sorting Task, Local Research, and Reflection

A total of 6 pages in PDF:

Title Page, Instructions, and a graphic organizer for each of the 4 kinds of government: dictatorship, monarchy, theocracy, and democracy